Youth Leaders
Jampel Yeshey Payldon
Jampel Yeshey Payldon is a freshman at Hamilton College in New York. Growing up in Bhutan, her love for nature and environmental conservation has only grown with time. However, she is concerned about the challenges and consequences Bhutan is facing and will be facing in the nearer future due to the global climate crisis. Being part of ‘The Messenger’ campaign as a youth ambassador, she feels it is an opportunity for her to do the best she can to spread awareness about climate change, as well as share Bhutan’s climate story with the world. She takes on this responsibility with the hope to enact change before it is too late to save the planet.
Sonam Yangdon
As a young Bhutanese growing up in regional Australia, Sonam often struggled with confidence. Fashion helped her rediscover confidence; first by dressing boldly, then by experimenting with colour, texture, and form as creative expression. With time, she became more aware of the impact of fast fashion and began rethinking her choices. Instead of giving up what she loved, she started approaching fashion with more purpose.
She now buys fewer but better-quality clothes and mostly shops from second-hand stores like Vinnies, Salvation Army, etc… knowing that these purchases reduce waste and support local charities makes it even more meaningful. She also donates her clothes to these shops making it a full circle moment. Additionally, she resells her clothes on platforms like Depop. She also enjoys sewing, altering, and redesigning clothes to save as many items as possible.
Fashion for her is no longer just about self-expression — it’s about expressing herself responsibly. Sonam is also an artist and has exhibited her work across Australia. You can find her on social media as brokebhutaneseartist.
Phuntsho Wangchuk Rinzin
Phuntsho Wangchuk Rinzin is a youth leader committed to advancing community welfare, environmental sustainability, and responsible social engagement in Bhutan.
As a founding member of Gola-Gola Bhutan, he has played a pivotal role in guiding the initiative’s strategic direction and strengthening its operational capacity. Established on May 22, 2022, Gola-Gola Bhutan originated at Jakar Higher Secondary School, Bumthang, as an expression of gratitude and alignment with His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo’s vision of a mindful and compassionate society. Supported initially by the Loden Foundation, the initiative has grown into a structured, youth-led movement comprising a core leadership team and approximately 200 dedicated volunteers.
In collaboration with partners such as Save The Children, the European Union, Druk Ride and so on, Phuntsho and his team work to enhance clothing accessibility through redistribution efforts, while promoting environmental consciousness and fostering a culture of kindness across communities.